The federal government and the Bauchi state government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the takeover of the Ningi VVF Centre and the designation of the Centre as a National Obstetric Fistula Centre.
According to a press release issued by the Information Officer, Federal Ministry of Health, Markus Mangai, the Minister of Health, Prof. C. O. Onyebuchi Chukwu, who signed the MOU on behalf of the federal government in Bauchi noted that recent data shows that there is a decline in the incidence of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) cases in the country which.
The minister said the decline is attributable to the renewed efforts by government and partners to address the reproductive health of women and girls suffering from VVF.
Chukwu further noted that the takeover of the Centre by the Federal Government and its designation as National Obstetric Fistula Centre would bring expansion of services for the treatment and rehabilitation of VVF patients, thereby reducing the backlog of VVF patients in Bauchi State and its environs and the country at large.
The minister also said that the Centre will also serve as a training and research centre, provide additional Federal Government presence and job opportunities in the state as well as promote the health of women, which is crucial to the family and society for national stability and development.
In his response, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam (Dr.) Isa Yuguda commended the Federal Government for establishing the National VVF Centre in the North-East describing it as pleasing because it will cater for the health needs of the VVF victims in the zone.
